Apparatus for applying bands on containers



Jan. 19, 1937. H, F, NYGARD 2,068,107

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING BANDS 0N CONTAINERS Filed April 2, 1934 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Jan. 19, 1937. H. F. NYGARD 2,068,107

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING BANDS oN CONTAINERS y Filed April 2, 1954 2sheets-sheet 2 Jn/enh.- lada/@rdf Patented Jan. 19,l 1937- lUNITEDSTATES PATENT, OFFICE APPARATUS Foa summe BANDS oN commas.-

nanwara r. Nygara, Madison, wis., mignon to The Celon Company, ration ofWisconsin Madison, Wis., a corpo- `ApplicationvAprll 2, l1934, SerialNo. 718,597

' 1s claims. (c1. zzo-so) inr their wet state to containers, such asbottles and the like, whereby the bands may be rapidly and easilyapplied in position ,over the necks Y 15 of the containers or bottles.

` Another object is to prov1de an apparatus about which a part thereofbands are placed and then spread or extended a predetermined distance bythe said apparatus to permit the apl paratus to easily, quickly andeiliciently positio`n\\the band about the neck of the container.

A5, still further object is to provide an apparatus having an extensibleportion about which hydrated cellulose bands are placed and extended adistance sumcient to'perrnit the apparatus or 25 tool-` to be easily andquickly inserted about the neck of a bottle whereby the band'will beinserted over the neck of the bottle when the device is withdrawn.

Still another object of the invention is to provide the me od of placinghydrated regenerated Acellulose bands about the neck of a bottle whichconsistsin inserting a wet bandabout collapsible jaws off a device,inserting the jaws over the neck of "a bottle whereby the jaws will bearranged between the neck of the bottle and the exteriorly positionedband, tripping the device vso as to bring the jaws'together'and thenwithdrawing the collapsed jaws from the bottle so 40 that the band willbe in proper relative position in respect to the bottle neck, the bandshrinking tightly about the neck of the bottle while being dehydrated. Astill further object of the invention is to 45 provide continuouslyoperating vmechanism containing a plurality of devices about whichhydrated regenerated cellulose bands are arranged whereby the necks ofthe bottles may be quickly inserted in a device as it moves toapplication 50 position whereby a lband will be placed about the neck ofthe bottle, the plurality of devices being movable constantly inposition whereby a great number of bottles may have bands applied aboutthe necks thereof within a very n short space of time.

l.but at right angles thereto.

Another important object "of the invention is the provision of -anapplicator for use in c'onnection with applying seal bands on` bottleswhereby bands may be applied to bottles, the bands being actuallysmaller than -the bottles 5 would normally require as the applicatorstretches the bands. considerably and permits easy application thereof.

Numerous other objects and advantages will be apparent throughout theprogress of the following specication.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a selected embodiment of theinvention andthe views therein .are as follows:

Fig. 1 is a detail elevation, partly in section, 15 of a hand operateddevice for applying bands, such as hydrated regenerated cellulose bands.about the neck of -a container; such as a bottle.

Fig. 2 is a detail elevation similar to Fig. 1

Fig. 3 is a detail elevation, partly in section,

showing the device in its expanded positionto apply a band about theneck of a bottle.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the device tripped and readyto be removed from the bottle neck. 4

Fig.v 5 is a detail sectional view on the line 5 5 0f Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view showing a band applied about the neckof a bottle and over a revenue stamp, the revenue stamp being appliedabout the smaller transverse dimension of the bottle.

Fig. 7 is a detail elevation of one form of apparatus which may becontinuously rotated and l carrying a pluralityl of band applicatorswhereby the production may' be considerably increased.

Fig.'8 is a detail sectional view of the line` 8 8 of Fig. '1.

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional viewof a bottle 4o having a, band appliedabout the neck thereof and over the revenue stamp, the stamp beingpositioned about the greater transverse dimension of the bottle.

The hand operating device or applying bands to the closure end ofcontainers, such as bottles, is shown particularly in Figs. 1 to 6, andreferring thereto 10 designates a handle provided with a vertical bore11 through whicha rod I2 extends. The upper end of the 50 bore Il mergeswith a bore I3 of larger diameter. A cap I4 having a plunger end I5 isremovably -fastened to the rod I2,' and a spring I6, ar-

ranged about the cap I4 and the upper end of the rod I2, is seated inthe larger bore I3 and 55 apparatus for extending pairs of spaced vears2D and 2I..

Downwardly extendinglinks 22 and 23 are pivoted to the pairs of ears`2l) and 2l respectively as indicated at 24. Oppositely disposed arcuatejaws 25 `and 26 are fastened to the lower ends of the links 22 and 23 bymeans of reinforcing elements 21 and screws 28. Links 29 and 30 havetheir outer ends pivotally connected atv 3l to the downwardly extendinglinks 22 and 23 respectively, and their inner ends pivoted to the rod I2as indicated at 32. ',The yoke I9, the links 22 and 23 and their cross29 and 3U fpro vide toggle mechanism controlling the voperation of thejaws 25 and 26. Y"Ihe rod I2 extends downwardly a predetermined distanceand inV a position adjacent the jaws 25 and 26, there being a tripperend or knob 33 formed on the lower'end of the rod I2.

When the plunger end I of the rod I2 is pressed downwardly, the rod I2will move downwardly carrying with it the links 29 and 30. The downwardmovement of the links 29 and 30 spreads the links 22 and 23 andconsequently the jaws and 26 apart. 'Ihe jaws therefore, when spreadapart, will assume the position shown in Fig. 3, permitting the neck 34of a bottle 35 to be received between or positioned within the jaws 25and 26. 'Ihe downward movement of the rod I2 is such that the links 29and 30 will extend below their normal horizontal center line. AThisdownward movement may be limited by ears 36 formed on the inner ends ofthe links 29 and 30 and these ears are adaptedA to engage the shaft orrod I2. The neck of the bottle is inserted a predetermined distancewithin the jaws 25 and 26 of the device to have a band 31 appliedthereto.

Bands 31 are preferably made of hydrated regenerated cellulose and thesebands are preferably shipped wet, that is, a plurality of bands areshipped in a containerl containing a fluid to keep the bands smooth andmoist. When the bands are applied to articles they are applied in theirwet or hydrated state, the bands tightly shrinking about the necks ofthe bottles when dehydrated. It is a relatively easy matter to apply asmooth set band about the neck of a bottle Where a revenue stamp or sealis not applied over the closure 38 of the bottle. However, in caseswhere a stamp or seal 39 is applied over the closure 38 of the bottle,it is quite diiioult as great care must be taken not to tear or mutilatethe stamp or'seal. Therefore when stamps or seals are placed overbottles, great care must be exercised. It has been found convenient andpractical, therefore, to use a tool or device of the type just describedto apply the bands in position about the necks of bottles and over theseals. In many 4instances for certain products the seals are required bystatute and they must not be mutilated.

In carrying out the invention a band 31 is placed over the jaws 25 and2lil when the jaws are in the position shown in Fig. 1. The plunger endI5 is then pressed downwardly until the rod assumes the position shownin Fig. 3 at which time thelinks 29 and 301v will be beyond Y wheel 52.

lmove the links 29fand 30- above their normal horizontal center line.

In this latter position thefspring I6 pulls the rod upwardly andconsequently draws. the links 22 and 23 inwardly to the position shownin Fig. 4. The jaws25. and 26wil1 therefore engage the neck of thebottle as shown in Fig. 4.. To retract the jaws a pressure is exerted atthe points indicated at 40, Fing. 5, to hold the band to the bottlewhile the jawsarejf-'being slipped out of position. After the jawsl'iavejrb'een removed, the bottle is permitted vto stand until the banddries after which vtimetlfie band will tightly shrink about the neckofthe bottle .in the manner-'shown in Fig. 6. A neat appearanceisrendered to the bottle, the bottle is rendered ornamental, the seal orstamp is neatly and permanently positioned inplace and the cap 38 of thebottle is locked in place and vcannot be removed. If desired, the band31 may be applied to the neck of the bottle before the stamp or seal 39is applied. However, a much -neater and attractive looking package isobtained if the seal is applied to the bottle before the band is put inplace.

In Figs. 7 to 9 inclusive there is shown continuously operatingapparatusfor applying bands to bottles. In these views there is shown a supporthaving a transverse axis or axle 5I upon which there is rotatablymounteda wheel 52.l A plurality of jaws 25 and 26 extend outwardlyradially from the outer peripheral surface of the These devices, whichare mounted about the periphery of the wheeL may be exactly the same inconstruction .as the device shown in Figs. l to 6 except that instead ofusing a handle I6, the wheel 52 is employed. The rod I2 extends throughthe wheel with the plunger l5 on the inner sideas clearly shown in Figs.7 and 8. Also, instead of manipulating each device manually to stretchthe bands when they are applied over the jaws 25 and 26, a rigidlymounted cam 53 may be mounted in a position to successively engage theends I5 as the wheel 52 rotates. The wheel 52 is rotated by a motor 54,a chain 55 and reduction gearing 56.

In operation the bands 31 are successively applied onto the device by anoperator standing at the left-hand side of the machine, these bandsbeing placed on each device as it moves to applying position. During therotative movement of the wheel, the bands 31 will be stretched when theend I5 of the rod I2 engages -the cam 53. The tension on the band on thejaws 25 and 26 holds the jaws 25 and 26 in their extended position. Atthe right-hand side of the machine, Fig. 7, an operator inserts'thebottle 35 between the Vopen jaws 25 and 26, and in inserting the neck inposition, the plunger end 33 is engaged by the bottle with sulcientforce to move the rod I2 inwardly a predetermined distance at which timethe spring I6 will move the jaws to closed position at which time thejaws, with respect to the band and bottle, willbe in exactly the sameposition as shown in Fig. 4. The operator handling the bottles thereforehas nothl the bottle, while in Fig. 6, the bottle is shown as having thestamp or seal applied aboutv the smaller dimension of the bottle.

If desired, the spring means 60, Fig. 3, may be positioned relative thelinks 22 and 23' and their cooperating links 29 and 30 to assistin-overcoming the urging action of the spring I6 to hold the -devicein`its extended position, that is, the posi-- tion shown in Fig. 3 whenthe links 29 and 30 will bemoved below their normal horizontal centerlie.

The purpose of a band is to makelan air-tight seal on a bottle, as theband shrinks by dehydration. A cellulose band from its normal diameteris susceptible of between 20% and 25% shrinkage. Naturally the tightestband that will go on a bottle makes the best appearanceand best sealafter the band has shrunk. The use of the mechanism herein describedpermits the use of the band actually Vsmaller normally than the bottlewould require, as -the applicator stretches the band considerably andpermits of easygapplication. When the applicator is withdrawn, the banddoes notv immediately spring back to its normal diameter as wouldrubber, but

upon dehydration does tend to seek its smallest normal diameter'dry.

The invention provides new and improved means for applying sealing bandsrapidly and neatly in position o the necks'of bottles. The invention ispositive and eflicient in operation, is strong and durable inconstruction, and can be readily and economically manufactured. Thedevice can be operated manually as shown in Figs. 1 to 6 or the samedevice can be applied to a rotary wheel and tripped by a stationary cam.The invention however in either of its forms materially assists in theapplication of wet bands about the necks of bottles and prevents therevenue stamps or seals from becoming mutilated where such stamps orseals are required. l

Changes may be made in the form, lconstruction and arrangement of theparts of the ap paratus and vtheimethod may be varied within certainldegrees without departing from the spirit of the invention-orsacrificing 'any of its advantages, and the right'is hereby reserved to'make all such changes as fairly fall Within the scope, of the followingclaims.

What'I 4claim as new and desire to obtain by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:

1. Ina device of the class described comprising an instrumentality toAsupport 4a band about an outer surface thereof, means for spreading theband to provide a'n opening within the band to receive the neck of acontainer.- and means for Aouter surface thereof, means forV spreadingthe instrumentality to spread the band to a 4predetermined shape toplace the band about a bottle neck, and means for. collapsing theinstrumenneck of the bottle.

tality whereby the said instrumentality will engage the bottle neck withthe band about the instrumentality, said instrumentality being capableof being withdrawn bodily from between the band and neck and leave theband about the neck.

3. In a device of theolass described comprising an instrumentality tosupport a band about an outer surface thereof, means for spreading thelinstrumentality to spread the band and apply a tension on t@ band, andfor holding the said instrumentality in spread position' while undertension of the band whereby a bottle neck may be received, means forreleasing the instrumentality and causing the same tocollapse about abottle neck, said ,band being arranged about the said neck when theinstrumentality is withdrawn after being collapsed.

4. A device for applying bands to bottle necks comprising a pair of jawsadapted to receive a 20 band thereabout, means for spreading the jaws tohold the band in a predetermined position to provide an opening toreceive the neck of a bottle, and means for vclosing the jaws wherebythe band will be positioned exteriorly of .the jaws and thejawsbetweenthe neck of ythe lbottle and the b and, said jaws, whencollapsed,. being free to beremoved. from between the band and bottlewhereby the'band will be in position about the neck of the bottle.

5. A device forv applying lbands to bottle necks comprising a pair ofjaws adapted to receive a band thereabout, means for spreading the jawsto hold the band. in a predetermined positionY to provide an opening toreceive the neck of a bottle and to tension the said band and controlledby the tension of said band for maintaining the jaws in vspreadposition, and means between the neck of the bottle and the band,

said jaws, when collapsed, being free to be removed from /between theband and bottle whereby the band will be in-position aboutthe 6. Adevice for'applying'bands to bottle necks comprisinga pair of jawsadapted to receive a band thereabout, means for normally urging saidjaws together, means for spreading. said jaws against the action of saidurging means to hold theband in a predetermined position and providingan opening to receive the neck Qf a bottle,4

said jaws when spread'applying a tension on said band, said spreadingmeant. being held in active position by the tension of the band tomaintain the jaws in spread-apart position against the action of theurging means, and tripping means for closing the jaws whereby the bandwill be positioned exteriorly of the Ajaws and .the jaws rwill bebetween the band and the neck of the bottle; the collapsing ofthe jawspermitting the jaws to be removed from between the band and the bottleat which time the band will be positioned about the neck of the bottle.

7.' vIn a device for applying bands about the necks of bottlescompr'isinga pair of jaws, means for normally holding the jaws incollapsed posineck of the bottle.

8.1 A device for applying bands about the necks of bottles comprising apair of jaws, spring means for normally urging the .jaws together towardcollapsed position, said jaws being adapted to receive a bandthereabout, means for spreading the jaws apart a predetermined distanceand against the tension of the spring whereby a bottle neck will bereceived between said jaws, ,said jaws when spread applying a tension tosaid band, said spreading means being held in active position bythetension of the band to maintain the jaws apart against the action of thespring means whereby an opening is provided to receive the neck of abottle between the spread jaws, and trip means adapted to be operated bya part of the bottle to cause said spring means to return the jaws tocollapsed, position. Y 9. In a device for applying be .ds about thenecks of bottles, a plurality of jaws adapted to receive a bandthereabout, and toggle mechanism' operable past dead center position forspreading said jaws to tension the band, the tension ofy the bandserving to maintain the toggle mechanism in operated position.

' 10. In va device for applying bands about closares` on 'containerscomprising a movable element, a plurality of jaws carried by saidmovable element and adapted to be brought into position successively,said jaws being adapted to receive a band as the jaws are successivelymoved to irl-between position leaving the band about the position, meansfor spreading the jaws when a band is thereabout, means for holding thejaws in spread position, and means operated by a bottle to move the jawsto collapsed position.

11. In a ldevice for applying hydrated, regenerated cellulose bands tobottle necks, comprising a rotary element, means for receiving a band,means for spreading the band receiving means to spread the band wherebyan opening is provided to receive the neckof the bottle, and means forcollapsing said band receiving means to place the band about the neck ofthe bottle.

12. In a device for applying hydrated, regenerated cellulose bands tobottle necks, comprising a rotary element a plurality of jaws mounted onsaid rotary element, said jaws being adapted to receive a bandthereabout, means for spreading the jaws with a band thereabout, andmeans controlled by a bottle for collapsing the jaws to place the bandabout the neck of aV HALLWMD F. NYGARD.

